More Than Apples: 10 Must-Have Mac Programs You Need to Download

Buying a MacBook is a big investment. Whatever you use your Apple computer for, you want to make the most of what it can do.

Luckily, Apple has a wide variety of apps and tools available for you to download in the App Store. Whether you’re notetaking for classes or writing a manuscript, there’s something for you.

Check out this list of the top Mac programs to enhance your computer experience.

1. Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox

Apple is always careful to cover its bases when it comes to software supporting its devices. Browsers are no different.

The Safari web browser that comes with Apple products operates well with the macOS. It’s designed to do so. This doesn’t mean that Safari doesn’t fall short in some places.

Google Chrome and other browsers can often access sites you can’t view with Safari. Plus, they’re free to download, install, and use.

2. AppCleaner

The process of deleting apps you no longer need can be a bit involved. Even after you drag the icons to the Trash, you may still have some residual files from the apps hanging behind.

These files may not take up a considerable amount of space on your Mac, but over time they can accumulate. AppCleaner is a quick fix to that problem.

Once installed, all you have to do is drag your app’s icon into AppCleaner’s window, and they do the rest of the work.

3. Highland 2

If you’re a writer looking for distraction-free writing software, Highland 2 is for you. With a clean, distraction-free UI, reaching your word count will be a breeze.

The app has significant features for screenwriters, playwrights, and novelists. The file templates available also follow industry format standards. That’s one less thing to worry about when you’re trying to get published.

The Basic version of the app is free, but still comes loaded with a lot of features. The upgrade to the Pro version is a one-time cost of $49.99 and expands your choice of templates and themes. You also get a Word Analysis and Revision Mode feature not available in the Basic option.

4. Duet

If you’re more of an Apple fanatic and you also have an iPad, you have access to a cool feature not everyone knows about.

With Duet, you can turn your iPad into a second monitor for your MacBook. Using Apple’s Lightning cable technology, your iPad becomes a mini screen you can do so much with.

The same way you can drag and drop apps and browser windows to real monitors, your iPad can work the same with Duet. This is a great solution for beginning gamers, engineering designers, and much more.

5. Dropbox and Other Cloud Storage

In the workplace, everyone you work with isn’t going to have the same devices. Because of this, having access to cloud storage is essential.

Options like Dropbox or Google Drive are great solutions to your file sharing needs. Because they have apps across devices, files you use at work or in class can be accessed wherever you need them.

Google Drive also has more web apps you can download to make your use of their systems even more seamless.

6. Evernote

Evernote may be one of the most popular note-taking apps to enter the market. Their use of vertical integration, much like Apple, has set them apart in the industry.

With Evernote’s clean and straightforward design, it’s easy to stay organized. Many users can turn their haphazard thoughts into well-organized and aesthetically pleasing pages.

You can even embed links from Google Drive to take your organization a step further.

7. Yoink

Yoink allows you to make a shelf on your computer. This app helps you drag and drop files without having to move your mouse.

With Yoink, you can add files in by batch or individually to then send them anywhere else on your Mac. When you upload a batch, the files automatically stack. This makes moving them around more simple.

You can also set up the app to appear each time you begin to drag and drop on your computer. It’ll be second nature to you in no time.

8. Microsoft To Do

If you’re the type of person that’s always on the go, staying on top of your daily to-dos may be a struggle. Microsoft To Do is an app designed for busy people like you.

This app’s streamlined task management is the perfect companion to a booked schedule. There are also several file templates you can choose from. There’s something if you need to jot down a quick shopping list or if you need to keep track of your daily reminders.

9. Franz

We live in a society where your social status is emphasized everywhere you turn. You’re not alone if you have endless messaging apps that all serve different purposes. Notifications across different programs and apps can also get overwhelming.

Franz is a messaging app that consolidates your accounts into one central location. This takes away your need to click between apps so often and helps you focus on what’s important more.

No more overlooking important information because you missed a notification!

10. Slack

Finally, we’ll talk about everyone’s favorite app – Slack. This communication server is used in workspaces across several industries. It takes company communications to a whole new level.

Slack lets users create channels within their organization’s server to further organize conversations. Creating a company culture has never been easier. Especially when you can have channels like ‘Business Only’ and “Pet Pictures’ at the same time.

Which Mac Programs Are Best for You?

Was this guide to the top 10 Mac programs helpful? All of these and more of the best applications for Mac are available for download in the App Store.

No matter who you are, there are Mac applications that suit your personal lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to optimize your device for you!

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